Acute Cough in Primary Care : Triage Questionnaire

Acute cough is one of the most common symptoms driving patients to seek medical attention in primary care settings. Often associated with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) of viral origin, it typically resolves within four weeks without specific medical intervention. Despite its self-limiting nature, acute cough significantly impacts healthcare resources and patient quality of life, with epidemiological data suggesting it affects approximately 35% of preschool children and a considerable number of adults annually. In adults, it is frequently linked to conditions such as acute bronchitis, characterized by a cough lasting up to three weeks.

The primary care burden of acute cough underscores the importance of accurate triage and evidence-based management. Current guidelines, including those from NICE, emphasize the need for cautious antibiotic use due to the predominantly viral etiology of most acute cough cases. Yet, studies reveal that antibiotics are prescribed in over half of acute cough presentations, often unnecessarily, contributing to the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance. Effective triage questions play a crucial role in identifying the small subset of patients who may require antibiotics while supporting appropriate symptom management and patient education for the majority.

Cough is a prevalent symptom encountered in primary care settings and can be...